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Northern Lights & Hidden Gems
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WINTER TOUR: Join us on an unforgettable Northern Lights adventure, beginning with a Northern Lights Cruise in Reykjavik. Experience the wonders of the Golden Circle, including Thingvellir National Park, Gullfoss, and the Geysir Geothermal Area. Discover Lake Myvatn and relax in the Myvatn Nature Baths. Explore Akureyri, Iceland's northern gem, set sail from Dalvik on a thrilling whale-watching cruise, and witness the colossal icebergs at Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon. Discover the mythical world of Dimmuborgir's black lava formations and legends of dangerous trolls.
For a detailed itinerary and information about visas, money, weather and more download our Trip Notes
Tour Overview
Duration
8 daysStarts
ReykjavikEnds
ReykjavikRange
HandpickedTour Guide
Yes - escorted by a tour guide/driverGroup Size
Min 2 / Max 18Minimum age
8 yrs, accompanied by an adultDeparts
Daily (with some exceptions), September - AprilHotel Rating
2-3-star hotels & guesthousesCountries
IcelandArrival Transfer
NoDeparture Transfer
NoMeals included
Breakfast: 7This tour is selling fast, book now before it sells out!
Excellent
4.4 out of 5 based on
275 reviews
Tour Highlights
Included
Not Included
Itinerary
Day 1 - Welcome to Iceland!
Day 1 - Welcome to Iceland!
Welcome to the lively capital of Iceland, Reykjavik! Get ready for an exciting adventure full of cultural wonders, picturesque views - and best of all, an opportunity to chase the famous Northern Lights.
If you arrive early, today is a free day to explore the city at leisure. Why not check out some of the museums, galleries, restaurants and historic landmarks that line the streets?
Take a walk along Reykjavik's oldest shopping street, Laugavegur or get a bird's eye view of the city from the iconic Hallgrimkirkja Church, which was inspired by the Svartivoss Waterfall. Visit one of the city's exciting museums - the National Museum, the Reykjavik Museum of Photography, Culture House, or even the Phallological Museum (the only one in the world) all come to mind!
In the evening, you will get the chance to join a Northern Lights boat tour, accompanied by an expert aurora guide. Setting course under pitch-black skies, we will search above for the wonderous emerald light show.
Day 2 - The Golden Circle
Day 2 - The Golden Circle
Reykjavik - Kirkjubajarklaustur. Today we visit exciting sites along Iceland's Golden Circle route. Our first stop is Thingvellir National Park, where you'll be amazed by the geological marvels shaped by the shifting tectonic plates. Stand on the historic grounds of the world's oldest parliament and feel the deep connection to Iceland's past. Afterwards, prepare to be mesmerized by the mighty Strokkur geyser erupting at the Geysir Geothermal Area, a thrilling display of nature's power.
Next, we'll witness the breathtaking Gullfoss waterfall, known as the 'Golden Waterfall' for its majestic beauty. Our adventure continues as we explore the enchanting Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss waterfalls, offering unique experiences to walk behind the cascading water and witness captivating rainbows.
As the day comes to a close, we'll settle into the peaceful village of Kirkjubajarklaustur. During winter, our rural hotel becomes an ideal base for spotting the magical Northern Lights.
Day 3 - Skaftafell & Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon
Day 3 - Skaftafell & Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon
Kirkjubajarklaustur - Hofn. We continue along the South Coast route today. Our first stop is Reynisfjara black sand beach, known for its remarkable waves, stunning basalt columns and pitch-black volcanic sand.
After the beach, there will be a change of scenery as we head towards icy glaciers. If visiting between October and April, we will enjoy a guided tour through the Crystal Ice Cave. Otherwise, we will embark on a 3-hour hike through Skaftafell in Vatnajokull National Park. This will give us the opportunity to get up close and personal with Europe's biggest glacier, Vatnajokull.
Next stop will be the jaw-dropping Myradalsjokull Glacier, home to the Katia Volcano, and her neighbour, the notorious Eyjafjalljökull. Afterwards, we visit the Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, the most famous ice lagoon in the world. Witness the crystalline icefloes before walking towards Diamond Beach, another stunning coastline beach decorated with icebergs and coal-black sand.
Tonight, we will arrive in Hofn - the lobster capital of Iceland. The dark nights in the area are, once again, perfect for spotting the elusive Northern Lights!
Day 4 - The Eastern Fjords
Day 4 - The Eastern Fjords
Hofn - Egilsstadir. Heading away from Iceland's traditional tourist path, we journey along the coastline of the Eastern Fjords to the charming fishing village of Djúpivogur in the unspoiled East Fjords. View the renowned sculpture work, Eggin of Gleðivík, representing the eggs of 34 bird species nesting in the area.
Next, embark on a fabulous scenic hike to Iceland's second-highest waterfall, Hengifoss, and witness the enchanting Litlanesfoss waterfall. Keep an eye out for Iceland's iconic reindeer as we drive along and enjoy some reindeer gazing and photography if we spot them.
Tonight, we rest in the riverside town of Egilstaðir, ready for more exciting adventures tomorrow.
Day 5 - Lake Myvatn, Godafoss & Akureyri
Day 5 - Lake Myvatn, Godafoss & Akureyri
Egilsstadir - Akureyri. Leaving Egilsstaðir, we head to Möðrudalur, the highest inhabited farm in Iceland, with a delightful surprise - the country's highest coffee house.
Weather permitting, our first stop will be a visit to the awe-inspiring Dettifoss Waterfall. Prepare to be mesmerized by the thunderous cascades and intense roaring waters.
At mystical Lake Mývatn, we explore Námaskarð's geothermal wonderland and visit Hverfjall Crater and Dimmuborgir lava formations for more breathtaking views.
Relax at the Mývatn Nature Baths, where you can opt to bathe in soothing mineral-rich blue waters (pay locally), and then visit the historic Goðafoss waterfall, rich in Icelandic history, and the site where Icelanders first embraced Christianity in the year 1000 AD.
We spend the night in Akureyri, known for its stunning fjords, charming downtown, and excellent restaurants.
Day 6 - Whale Watching
Day 6 - Whale Watching
Akureyri - Laugarbakki. Today we hope to get up close to some of the giants of the natural world. Iceland is well known for the diversity of whales and dolphins that inhabit its waters. Our three-hour whale-watching cruise departs from the fishing town of Dalvik, and we hope to see humpback whales, minke whales, white-beaked dolphins, and perhaps even a blue whale - though the species to spot will depend on the time of year you travel. You can also try some fishing if you fancy, with a chance to taste what you catch!
After whale-watching, we explore Dalvík its with stunning views and a reputation for skiing. Continuing to Sigluförður, admire colorful houses reflecting the town's herring-based past.
Afterwards, we drive along the Trollaskagi Peninsula, taking in quaint fishing hamlets and agricultural areas. On the way to our accommodation, we'll pass through Skagaförður, a beautiful fjord featuring islands like Drangey. This island, with steep sea cliffs from a 700,000-year-old volcano, is the setting of Grettis Saga, where the outlaw Grettir found refuge with his brother Illugi and slave Glaumur.
Arriving in Laugarbakki, we will have another chance to look for the Northern Lights in the evening.
Day 7 - West Iceland
Day 7 - West Iceland
Laugarbakki - Reykjavik. We make our return journey to Reykjavik today. There are numerous stops along our route through Borgarfjordur, Iceland's western region. These include the Deildartunguhver Hot Spring and the legendary Barnafoss waterfall. We also see the Hraunfossar cascade, the low and wide falls where the water emerges straight from the lava field. There's also a stop in picturesque Reykholt before we arrive back in the capital.
We'll pass through the scenic Hvalfjörður (Whale Fjord), before arriving in Reykjavik between 17:00 - 18:00.
In the evening, join our Northern Lights minibus tour. Our expert guides monitor the aurora forecast to ensure the perfect spot to witness the magical Northern Lights. Get ready for an enchanting experience, and perhaps your last chance to witness the stunning emerald aurora!
Day 8 - Goodbye Iceland!
Day 8 - Goodbye Iceland!
A leisurely day for you to further see the sights of this beautiful city, as the tour comes to an end after breakfast.
Take this chance to wander down new paths, go for a scenic bike ride, or enjoy nature. Seltjarnarnes and Mosfellsbær are both mountain-view peninsulas easily reached by bus from Reykjavik. A visit to Reykjavik Botanical Gardens is also a great option - visit the hot spring pools where women used to do their laundry or take a dip in Laugardalslaug, Iceland’s largest swimming pool.
With endless options, from nature, to shopping, to restaurants and museums, be sure to make the most of your final day in the vibrant Reykjavik!
Tour Reviews
Extras and add-ons
If you'd like to add extras or add-ons to your booking, you can do this easily during checkout. Just review the available options and select any additional services or upgrades you'd like before completing your purchase.
Additional Excursions
Enhance your tour with these optional extras, helping you to get the most from your adventure.
Enjoy a relaxing dip in the Myvatn Nature Baths with this optional extra available on many of our Iceland tours!. Known as the "Blue Lagoon of the North", this is a great add-on for those looking to experience one of the country's popular hot springs.
$95
per passengerWaterprooof Pants / Trousers Rental
$35
per passengerHiking Boots Rental
$35
per passengerWaterproof Pants / Trousers Rental
$35
per passengerWaterproof Jacket Rental
$35
per passengerLuggage Storage
On this tour you are allowed to bring a small backpack and 1 piece of luggage weighing a maximum of 20 kg (44 lbs). The combined dimensions of each bag must not exceed 158 cm (62 in).
$35
per passengerWaterproof Pants / Trousers Rental
$35
per passengerWaterproof Jacket Rental
$35
per passengerHotels
Prices & Dates
Departure dates are guaranteed with a minimum of 4 persons. 'Twin/Double' prices are per person when there are 2 people on the same booking sharing a room. 'Single' prices are applicable to solo travellers and anyone wanting the privacy of their own room. Room sharing is not available on this tour.
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4.4 out of 5 based on 275 reviews